Verpackungsmaschine mit wenigstens einer anmeldungsvorrichtung und datentraeger

ABSTRACT

A packaging machine ( 1 ) having at least one registration device is described, in particular a log-in device ( 13, 16 ) for checking the personnel-related access authorization. In order that a log-in procedure for gaining access to the packaging machine ( 1 ) is associated with the smallest possible expenditure of time and/or effort, at least one of the log-in devices ( 13, 16 ) includes a reading unit for wireless and/or contactless reception of transmitted information from wireless and/or contactless readable portable data storage media ( 12, 18 ), as well as an alternative input device for the wired input of information. A data storage medium is also disclosed.

The invention relates to a packaging machine according to the preamble of claim 1, as well as a data storage medium according to the preamble of claim 9.

Use of a packaging machine in a business requires operation by a number of people. These include, among others, operating personnel who run the equipment, and also service personnel who monitor and repair the machine with respect to safety and functional capabilities. In addition, riggers are frequently used to set up, adjust, and prepare the packaging machine for use. Furthermore, programmers are needed to modify the control of the machine, for example, as well as other personnel, e.g. who carry out installation and modification work on the machine. In order to prevent risks, operating errors, or even accidents on the packaging machine, it is important that the individuals carry out only the operations entrusted to them, or that they are capable of performing in the case of servicing activities.

It is well-known from the prior art how to regulate access to such machines, or access to a servicing device for the machine, by means of a locking device that can be operated by a key. Insofar as computer-assisted servicing of the machine is provided, logging-in with an access password is also enabled in commercial machines.

The object of the invention is to propose a packaging machine in which logging-in to gain access to the packaging machine is accompanied by the smallest possible expenditure of time and effort.

This objective is achieved in a packaging machine of the foregoing type through the characterizing part of claim 1, as well as through a data storage medium according to claim 9.

Advantageous embodiments and improvements to the invention are possible by means of the measures specified in the subclaims.

Accordingly, in a packaging machine according to the invention having at least one registration device, a log-in device in particular, at least one of the registration devices for checking the personnel-related access authorization includes a reading unit for receiving information transmitted in a wireless and/or contactless manner from wireless or contactless readable portable data storage media.

Persons working on the machine and/or those servicing the machine are thereby equipped with said portable data storage media. A variety of embodiments are possible for such data storage media. For example, the data storage medium can be integrated into the employee identification badge. A badge worn on the clothing or the body can also be used for this purpose. The log-in takes place by the person bringing the appropriate portable data storage medium within the reception range of the reading unit, which is capable of automatically reading it and then authorizing or refusing access to the packaging machine. The transmission of information to be passed by means of wireless and/or contactless means can occur in different ways. For example, a bar code can be provided for this purpose by using a scanner as the reading unit. It is also possible, for example, to use a magnetic code. The data to be transmitted consist, for example, of an employee ID number, a suitable access code, a password or encryption of access rights. If the data does not correspond to certain requirements, or if no data are transferred, it is then impossible to log-in.

This type of log-in procedure also enables an especially secure log-in, in which the effort required to gain access to the packaging machine by an unauthorized person can be exceptionally or prohibitively great.

An important saving of time results if the data storage medium is integrated into the work clothing so that the data storage medium is already automatically situated within the reception range of the reading unit when that person assumes their working position at the machine. It is also possible, for instance, to locate the portable data storage medium in the belt, the sleeves, or breast pocket, so that the person never needs to pay attention to whether or if the data storage medium is positioned close enough to the reading unit once he has assumed the suitable work stance or position. In principle, any type of machine-readable data storage media according to the invention can be used, such as ultrasound transmitters and receivers, for example.

Insofar as a number of persons work simultaneously on a packaging machine, it can also be desirable to choose an embodiment of the invention in which the person to be logged-in must first carry out an operation in order that the log-in process can be carried out, before the reading unit is ready to receive the data from the data storage medium. This can be implemented, for example, by an input initiating a log-in program before the reading unit is ready to receive the log-in data (“log-in prompt”). In particular, this can prevent the situation where a person who is only working in the vicinity of the packaging machine inadvertently logs-in or enters his log-in information. The log-in process can thereby remain an active process to be carried out intentionally.

A noteworthy feature of the invention is that it simultaneously allows for a hygienic production process since the log-in occurs in a contactless manner.

However, if circumstances occur that do not permit logging-in through the reading unit, an alternative means of registration still exists. In this connection it is advantageous that access be enabled when problems, defects, or the like occur on the machine. For example, access can still be available to service personnel even if the reading unit and/or the data storage medium is affected by a power outage.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the alternative input device is designed to be freely switchable. The alternative input device is initially locked in this embodiment. Non-expert operating personnel thus cannot access the alternative application in the exceptional case mentioned above, e.g., in the event of a defect or the like. Only expert personnel are able to undertake the clearing process. This clearing process can, for example, be carried out by means of a key, a bridge connection in the region of the inputs or outputs of the control unit, or similar measures.

The alternative input device could be manually operable, for example, such as through the input of a numerical code, by means of a key, or by a smart card that does not operate in a contactless manner. If an appropriate defect is present, time can also be saved by these measures even though service personnel still have a means of accessing the packaging machine.

In a computer controlled packaging machine, an embodiment of the invention can advantageously provide a means of logging-in from inside a control program, so that servicing of the packaging machine is not possible without previously logging-in.

It is especially advantageous to evaluate the transferred information in a control unit, whether it comes from the reading unit or from the bypass input device, which can relay appropriate control commands to the machine controller, for example. Such a control unit can also include an input device that permits not only input of the information transferred from the data storage medium, but also provides for input through control lines, for example. It is also possible to make the control unit programmable. Furthermore, it may be useful if the control unit can access other data, whether it is machine-specific data or access rights, which are assigned to a specific employee ID number. It is possible, for example, that a log-in is no longer possible, or is possible only under special conditions, when a malfunction of the machine has been reported to the control unit. An advantageous embodiment of the invention thus includes such a control unit.

A central control command that could be issued by the control unit is the control of locking devices. A preferred improvement of the invention includes at least one locking device that is controllable by the control unit. For example, access to the packaging machine is enabled or prevented by this locking device. This can be implemented, for example, by opening or closing a locking device. It is even possible to disconnect the packaging machine as a hindrance to accessing the operation. It is also possible in principle to route suitable warnings to a monitoring terminal in the case of failed log-in procedures. The control unit can consequently be designed in such a manner that it can execute various functions, among others, in connection with the log-in process.

Some data storage media allow writing of data on the data storage medium along with the reading of permanently stored data. Moreover, many data storage media must be activated, especially when the data storage medium must be supplied with energy by contactless or wireless means. Thus, in an advantageous improvement of the invention a device for contactless or wireless energy supply is present, which is integrated, for example, in the packaging machine and/or is included with the reading unit.

Applications like writing data to the data storage medium generally require that the data storage medium can be addressed by means of electromagnetic waves. An embodiment of the invention is distinguished by a transmitter unit being available to transmit electromagnetic waves.

In this connection, an especially preferred improvement of the invention envisions that the reading and/or transmitter unit is designed as an RFID station (Radio Frequency IDentification). Commercially available RFID transponder technology can be used with corresponding cost savings. Under certain circumstances, both the reading and transmitter units, as well as the RFID transponder, can be purchased in the market as low-cost devices. RFID systems are generally small, compact units for contactless identification and also for locating objects. An electromagnetic high-frequency field, whose fundamental frequency corresponds to the resonance frequency of the oscillator circuit in the RFID transponder, is generally transmitted from a reading unit. In order that the resonance frequency in the oscillator circuit of the reading device is tuned to the resonance frequency of the transponder oscillator circuit, various modifications may thereby be necessary because of transmission problems. For example, it can happen that the material surrounding the transponder could alter the electromagnetic wave slightly, thereby requiring slight tuning of the resonance frequency of the oscillator circuit, such that it once again matches the resonance frequency of the oscillator circuit in the reading device.

In an embodiment of the invention, access to the packaging machine can be permitted for the last successful log-in that was carried out, while at the same time, access from a prior log-in will result in refusal. Consequently, only the currently logged-in person can work on the machine. In case the log-out procedure was forgotten, or the packaging machine was turned off, this carelessness can automatically be corrected by a new log-in.

Furthermore, hierarchically ranked access rights can be assigned by the control unit during log-in with the aid of the transmitted information. One possible classification of the extent of access rights could, for example, depend on whether the log-in is being made by operating personnel (low access rights), riggers (medium access rights), or service personnel (global access rights). Service personnel could furthermore be authorized for access to a plurality of or all available packaging machines.

It could also remain subject to the service personnel to obtain additional active access to the packaging machines if, at a later time, a third party, e.g., with mid-range access rights (operating personnel or riggers) attempts to log-in.

It is furthermore advantageous to design the control unit so that following a specific time interval after log-in, access to the packaging machine is refused, in principle to prevent logging-out or shutting off. However, the access rights could also be reduced to a minimum after the appropriate time interval, or modified in general.

Security aspects play an increasingly important role. If a numerical code must be input to check an access authorization, it can be performed in principle by any person who knows the code. The situation is different if biometric recognition is used. In a special improvement to the invention, this kind of biometric data can be read in through the reading unit and/or the alternative input device, and used by the control unit to allow or block access based on personal information.

Another embodiment of the invention offers a fundamentally different possibility. It is often determined in retrospect that irregularities or faults have occurred during the operating phase of the machine. In this case it is desirable that operating personnel attempt to carry out an efficient and effective fault analysis. Such an assignment becomes difficult when a number of persons potentially come into question for having carried out a particular operational step on the packaging machine. Thus, an advantageous embodiment of the invention includes a log-in device that has at least one writeable memory unit that is controllable by the control unit. This creates the possibility of recording a transmitted employee ID number to a writeable medium, for example. After the registration device has allowed access based on a valid employee ID number and the control unit has, for example, unlocked the locking mechanism, the control unit produces a write command through which the employee ID number is recorded on a memory unit with the corresponding start and end times of the operating process. An individual-related attribution is thus made possible. Likewise, it is possible to record other data and information in a similar manner.

In particular, in production facilities that use at least one packaging machine, monitoring terminals are installed to centrally monitor the operation and functioning of the packaging machines. Irregularities can thereby be determined quickly and dealt with if necessary, even during operation. In addition to monitoring, it can also be necessary, for example, to reprogram the control unit and/or provide the memory unit with new data and information. A preferred variant of the invention thus provides that the control unit and/or memory unit of the packaging machine be connected through an interface with an electronic network.

As has already been mentioned, it is possible to use a data storage medium that is provided with a bar code. However, it is advantageous if the data storage medium does not have to assume a special orientation during the log-in process, which is the case with the bar code for example. Thus, a preferred embodiment of the invention provides a transmitter unit for wireless and/or contactless data transmission. For example, the use of an ultrasonic transmitter is possible. However, an electromagnetic transmitter is generally cheaper and simpler to manufacture, and is thus considered to be an especially preferred embodiment. In a similar manner, a receiver unit for wireless and/or contactless data transfer can be present on the data storage medium according to an advantageous improvement of the invention. As already mentioned above, this can be used to activate the data storage medium or can even be used to transmit information to the data storage medium.

An example of this type of activation is, in particular, energy transmission from the outside, for example from the reading unit to the data storage medium. A preferred improvement of the invention provides that the data storage medium includes a device that allows it to be supplied with energy from the outside. In principle, for example, the packaging machine can likewise include a device to enable this energy supply. The data storage medium thus requires no separate energy source, such as a voltage source in the form of batteries or accumulators, for example. Such batteries or accumulators must be replaced after a certain amount of storage time, or must be recharged.

It is possible in principle to provide a data storage medium with its own voltage source, such as a battery or accumulator, for example, in an embodiment of the invention.

The electromagnetic energy transmitted by the registration device can, for example, be used by the data storage medium as the energy source. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, an induction coil and/or antenna is provided for energy transmission between the reading unit and data storage medium. However, if the energy is automatically transmitted as soon as the data storage medium is used, another energy supply source is unnecessary, and a savings in time and effort is thereby achieved.

In order to design the data storage medium to be as compact as possible, it is advantageous to combine the inductance and/or antenna with the transmitter antenna. This embodiment of the invention can be improved by the data storage medium being provided with a RFID transponder unit. As has already been mentioned above, this kind of transponder can be purchased very cheaply. In addition, these systems and the RFID transponder in particular, can be miniaturized to the point that the transponder can be integrated almost completely and incorporated in an unobtrusive manner.

At the same time, a contactless or wireless energy supply for the data storage medium by means of an RFID transponder in an embodiment of the invention can be implemented cheaply and efficiently.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, particularly by the use of an RFID transponder, an integrated switching circuit is provided. By means of it, the data storage medium can also perform additional functions, among other things. In an RFID transponder an oscillator circuit is generally provided, which is coupled to such an integrated switching circuit. Energy can likewise be received through the oscillator circuit, which is used to supply the integrated switching circuit.

In a preferred improvement of the invention the integrated switching circuit is designed as a coding unit. If a memory unit is present on the data storage medium for storing data, information such as employee ID numbers, access rights, etc., then these data must be coded and decoded in order to be converted into a transmittable signal, or converted from a transmitted signal into recordable data. In an RFID transponder, the oscillator circuit is usually combined with such an integrated switching circuit that more often than not provides the underlying function of a coding unit.

A variety of possible designs can be used in this connection. In an embodiment of the invention, the coding unit includes at least one read-only memory unit for permanently storing information. This is important, for example, when the employee ID number or the like is to be recorded permanently on the data storage medium. This can then be converted to a transmittable signal by the coding unit before it is forwarded to the registration device.

A read-only memory unit in the sense of the invention can be implemented, for example, as a bar code. There are indeed many other possible embodiments that also fall within the scope of the invention, such as the use of electronic read-only memorys or other such memory storage units that can only be erased by means of special methods and then rewritten, such as, for example, EPROMs.

In a manner similar to that already described, where the registration device can advantageously include a memory unit, it is also possible that the coding unit includes at least one writeable memory unit with an associated writing unit that is controllable by the coding unit. This embodiment of the invention is particularly important when the data storage medium includes additional functions and, for example, can be used for monitoring working times. Depending on the organization of the means of production, the data storage medium can thus also serve as the memory unit for various purposes.

In principle, such data storage media can be used both for the reading unit as well as for the alternative input device. However, such a data storage medium is preferentially used for a reading unit, and in particular for the reading unit.

EMBODIMENT

An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing, and is explained in greater detail with the aid of the figures as follows. They show:

FIG. 1 a schematic view of a packaging machine in operation, and

FIG. 2 a schematic view of an information storage medium in the form of an RFID transponder.

FIG. 1 shows a packaging machine 1 in which the base film 3 unwinds from a roll 2 and is guided on a conveyor section 19. Packaging cavities 5 are formed from the base film 3 by means of thermoforming equipment 4. They move along the conveyor 19 and are filled with filling material 6 by personnel 7. The packaging cavities 5 filled with the filling material 6 continue along the conveyor 19, and are covered in a sealing unit 10 with a cover film 9 and sealed, and are finally trimmed by a cutting unit 31. The cover film 9 is likewise unwound from a roll 8. The filled package 11 is a finished product of the packaging machine 1.

A mechanism 15 for controlling the packaging machine 1 is likewise visible. This can be operated by the appropriate personnel and/or programmers 17. Each of the personnel 7, 17 who work on the machine respectively carries a data storage medium 12, 18. In addition, log-in devices 13, 16 are provided at the respective workstations. They are connected to a control unit 25 through data lines 14. This control unit has a control line 26 leading to the packaging machine.

Before the personnel 7 starts working at the packaging machine 1, and thereby fills the corresponding packaging cavities 5 with the filling materials 6, a process for identifying the personnel 7 must be carried out. For this purpose the data storage medium 12, which is shown here as a badge or employee identification card worn on the breast pocket, must be held in the vicinity of the log-in device 13. It relays the appropriate information over the data line 14 to a control unit 25. The control unit 25 here is integrated within the control facility or terminal 15 of the packaging machine 1.

It is possible in principle to locate the log-in device 13 and/or the control unit 25 in the packaging machine, or to integrate it, or deploy it separately.

Other personnel, such as a programmer 17 who could monitor the troublefree operation of the packaging machine 1, or make a change in the control program, such as altering the speed of the conveyor, are correspondingly required to log-in at the control terminal 15. This log-in process takes place by means of an identification.

Any type of identification of the corresponding personnel 7, 17 can be carried out by means of an information storage medium 12, 18, while it is brought into the vicinity of the respective log-in devices 13, 16. For example, the information storage medium 18 of the programmer 17 is located in the vicinity of the hand. In this case the data storage medium 18 is automatically located in the vicinity of the log-in device 16 while operating the control terminal 15. The log-in device 16 is also connected through a data line 14 to the control unit 25 in this case. If a suitable identification is not possible, then logging-in is prohibited, or if this happens during the operation of the machine, for example, an interruption signal is transmitted through the control line 26 to the packaging machine 1.

An alternative input device 32 is also provided for the manual input of an access code using a keypad intended for access by service personnel, for example.

FIG. 2 shows a data storage medium 18, which here includes an RFID transponder 20. A coil 21 forming an oscillator circuit is shown here with a capacitor 27. The voltage across the capacitor 27 is tapped, and part of it is cut off when the polarity changes by means of a diode 28. In this manner a capacitor 29 can be charged, which can serve as a voltage source to supply an integrated circuit, for example, shown here as a coding unit 22. The coding unit 22 includes a data memory unit 23 for read-only memory storage, as well as a writeable memory unit with a recording unit 24.

An identification number is stored in an unalterable form, for example, in the memory unit 23. Additional data, which is either also transmitted, or received by the transponder 20 and recorded there, could be recorded in the data memory 24 with the integrated recording unit. These data could consist of, for example, access rights or work schedules, as well as various other types of information. The coil 21 is thereby designed as a transmitter and receiver unit. In particular, energy can also be received through the coil 21 in the form of electromagnetic waves emitted from the log-in device. The oscillator circuit is thereby adjusted so that its resonance frequency is tuned to the fundamental radiated frequency.

A connection to the network is possible through an interface by means of a suitable data line 30. The control unit 25 can thus be monitored and controlled through another central monitoring terminal.

All embodiments and improvements on the invention are characterized such that at least one of the registration devices (13, 16) includes:

-   -   a reading unit for the reception of information transferred in a         wireless and/or contactless manner, from a portable wireless or         contactless readable data storage media (12, 18), as well as     -   an alternative input device for the hard-wired input of         information.

REFERENCE LIST

-   1 Packaging machine -   2 Roll -   3 Base film -   4 Thermoforming equipment -   5 Packaging cavity -   6 Filling material -   7 Personnel -   8 Roll -   9 Cover film -   10 Sealing unit -   11 Packaging with filling material -   12 Data storage medium -   13 Log-in device -   14 Data line -   15 Control -   16 Log-in device -   17 Programmer -   18 Data storage medium -   19 Conveyor -   20 RFID transponder -   21 Roll -   22 Encoding unit -   23 Memory unit -   24 Writeable memory unit -   25 Control unit -   26 Control line -   27 Capacitor -   28 Diode -   29 Capacitor -   30 Data line -   31 Cutting unit 

1. Packaging machine (1) having at least one registration device (13, 16) for log-in and monitoring the personnel-related access authorization characterized in that at least one of the registration devices (13, 16) includes: a reading unit for the reception of information transferred in a wireless and/or contactless manner, from a portable wireless or contactless readable data storage media (12, 18), as well as an alternative input device for the hard-wired input of information.
 2. Packaging machine (1) according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the alternative input device has a locking state from which it is freely switchable.
 3. Packaging machine (1) according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the alternative input device can be operated manually and/or with a key, and or with a smart card.
 4. Packaging machine (1) according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the registration device (13, 16) includes a control unit (25) for receiving information from the reading unit and/or the alternative input device, as well as for transmitting control commands.
 5. Packaging machine (1) according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that at least one locking device is provided on the packaging machine (1) that is controllable with respect to access by the control unit (25).
 6. Packaging machine (1) according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that a transmitter unit is provided for transmitting electromagnetic waves, and the reading and/or transmitter unit is designed as an RFID station for information transmission using RFID transponder units (20).
 7. Packaging machine (1) according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the control unit is designed so that the scope of access to the packaging machine is determined by the last successful log-in.
 8. Packaging machine (1) according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the control unit is designed to issue different access rights during log-in on the basis of the transmitted information.
 9. Packaging machine (1) according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the control unit is designed to refuse access to the packaging machine and/or to change the issued access rights after a certain time interval.
 10. Packaging machine (1) according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the reading unit and/or the bypass input device are designed to read in personal biometric information, and the control unit is designed to carry out a review of the personnel-related access authorization.
 11. Data storage medium (12, 18) for storing information for the purpose of gaining access to a packaging machine (1), among other things, according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that a transmitter unit (20) is provided for wireless and/or contactless information transfer.
 12. Data storage medium (12, 18) according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the transmitter unit (20) is designed as an electromagnetic transmitter.
 13. Data storage medium (12, 18) according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that a receiving unit (20) is provided for wireless and/or contactless information transfer.
 14. Data storage medium (12, 18) according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that an RFID transponder unit (20) is provided.
 15. Data storage medium (12, 18) according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that an integrated switching circuit (22) is integrated and is designed as an encoding unit (22).
 16. Data storage medium (12, 18) according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that a writeable memory unit is provided that can be written on at least once. 